GROW Licking County Community Improvement Corporation

09/02/2026

A sweet spot in the Top 10! 🍦

We’re proud to share that Velvet Ice Cream has been named one of the Top 10 women-owned businesses in Central Ohio by Columbus Business First!

For 112 years, we’ve been scooping up memories, building community and carrying on a family tradition we’re incredibly proud of. We’re honored to see Velvet recognized alongside so many outstanding women-owned businesses in Central Ohio.

Here’s to strong women, strong businesses and a whole lot of ice cream! ❤️🍨

See link here: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/subscriber-only/2026/08/28/largest-central-ohio-women-owned-businesses.html

09/02/2026

A strong workforce is essential to continued economic growth across Licking County and the Columbus Region.

JobsOhio has launched the new JobsOhio Technician Path, an incentive program designed to help Ohio employers develop skilled talent while giving employees the opportunity to earn a paycheck as they train for in-demand technical careers.

With Ohio projected to need more than 230,000 technicians over the next 10 years, the program helps employers build their talent pipeline through structured earn-and-learn opportunities. Eligible companies can receive up to $10,000 per employee who completes an approved training pathway.

The initiative is part of JobsOhio’s broader $300 million, 10-year investment in experiential learning and represents another important resource for strengthening our region’s workforce and supporting companies as they grow.

Learn more about the JobsOhio Technician Path and how employers can participate:
https://www.jobsohio.com/path

09/01/2026

Exciting news as Illuminate USA contributes a transformational $1 million gift to support the expansion of the West Licking County Family YMCA, the largest corporate gift to their capital campaign!

The contribution helped push the campaign total to $4.2 million, surpassing its original $4 million goal. The new gymnasium will be named the Illuminate USA Gymnasium.

Thank you to Illuminate USA for continuing to invest in Licking County and our communities!

A $1 million investment in the future of our West Licking YMCA! 🎉

We’re incredibly grateful to Illuminate USA for a transformational $1 million gift, the largest corporate gift to our expansion campaign.

Their support brings our campaign total to $4.2 million, surpassing our original $4 million goal, and our new gymnasium will proudly be named the Illuminate USA Gymnasium.

And we’re not done yet. Additional support will help make even more development possible at our West Licking campus.

Help us build what’s next. 💙

08/31/2026

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

For 117 years, Westerman Inc. has built energy equipment in Fairfield County, Ohio. Now, rising demand is pushing the company to grow — and to expand into a new location.

Westerman is investing $51.5 million to enhance its longtime Bremen headquarters and open a dedicated manufacturing site in Hebron, creating 345 new jobs across both sites.

The Bremen expansion adds 210 jobs as Westerman scales up production for its energy customers. In Licking County, a new $45 million operation will help support the major buildout of Centrus Energy Corp.'s American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, extending Westerman's nuclear manufacturing footprint into a new community.

Westerman makes specialized equipment for the oil, gas, and nuclear industries, and this growth mirrors the surge in energy demand playing out nationwide — with Ohio manufacturers stepping up to meet it.

Ohio Department of Development

08/25/2026

August is Ohio Proud Month, and counties across Ohio are helping celebrate the farmers, producers and small businesses that make agriculture such an important part of our state.

The Licking County Board of Commissioners recently proclaimed August as Ohio Proud Month in Licking County, recognizing local food and agricultural producers and the important role they play in the local economy.

Created in 1993, Ohio Proud is the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s marketing program promoting food and agricultural products that are made, grown or processed right here in Ohio. Agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry, contributing more than $105 billion to our state’s economy.

When Ohioans buy local, those dollars are reinvested close to home—supporting farmers and businesses, creating jobs, and helping keep our Main Streets and local economies strong.

CCAO applauds Licking County and counties across the state for supporting the people who grow, make and produce Ohio Proud products.

📸 Pictured: A display showcasing many local producers during the 2026 Hartford Independent Fair in Licking County.

Learn more and find Ohio Proud products at OhioProud.org.

08/25/2026

“The new Hebron operation will extend Westerman’s nuclear manufacturing work into Licking County. The dedicated site will give the company added capacity to serve its growing nuclear industry clients while supporting Centrus’ expansion in Piketon.

“Westerman is bringing a major investment and 135 new jobs to Hebron,” said Hebron Mayor Dr. Valerie Mockus. “This project will create new career opportunities for our residents and give our community a role in America’s growing nuclear energy supply chain. We are ready to help Westerman build a lasting presence here.”

The two projects demonstrate how rising energy demand can create opportunity across an entire region. Bremen will build on more than a century of manufacturing experience. Hebron will gain a new operation connected to the expansion of domestic nuclear energy production.”

Download the full press release. Columbus, OH — For 117 years, Westerman has built equipment for the energy industry in Bremen. Growing demand is now driving the company to expand its longtime operation at its company headquarters in Bremen and establish an additional manufacturing site in Hebron,...

08/24/2026

Westerman, Inc. Announces Major $45 Million Expansion in Hebron!

Westerman is expanding its operations to the Village of Hebron, bringing significant new investment and high-quality jobs to Licking County!

The project will create 135 full-time jobs, generating approximately $8.42 million in new annual payroll.

Westerman plans to invest more than $45 million in the project, including approximately $39.4 million in machinery and equipment. Their revamped 100,000 SF facility will support the company’s growing nuclear transport and storage product line.

Westerman, Inc., headquartered in Bremen, Ohio, is a manufacturer specializing in engineered equipment and solutions for the energy and industrial sectors. The company designs and manufactures metal storage tanks, transport containers, high-pressure vessels, and production equipment serving the oil and natural gas, water, nuclear, and data center industries. Westerman’s capabilities span engineering, fabrication, assembly, and testing, with a focus on durable, specialized equipment designed to perform in challenging environments.

This announcement furthers Licking County's role as a leader in the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors. We are proud to join Hebron in welcoming Westerman Inc. to our community and look forward to many years of success!

08/22/2026

Did you know?

All of bobbie’s organic formula is produced right here in Licking County at their state of the art manufacturing facility in the City of Heath!